Hawker and Peddler Licences

Hawkers and peddlers (including food trucks and vending carts) operating in Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with the City’s Hawkers and Peddlers Licensing By-law.

This includes anyone who travels from place to place (roving) or operates from a specific location (stationary) to sell merchandise, as well as anyone who displays samples of goods for later delivery.

Apply for a Hawkers and Peddlers Licence

Timelines 

Apply by the following dates to receive your Hawker and Peddler Business Licence on the corresponding issue date:

Apply byLicense issued by
March 20, 2026May 1, 2026
April 3, 2026May 15, 2026
June 1, 2026August 1, 2026

Applications for Summer Hawker and Peddler Business Licences close June 1, 2026. If you need your licence before May 1, contact the Licensing team at licensing@portcolborne.ca.

Winter licences are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact licensing@portcolborne.ca to find out if your business is eligible for a Winter Hawker and Peddler Business Licence.

Applicants are also required to contact Niagara Region Public Health at 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or inspect@niagararegion.ca to arrange an inspection as part of the application process.

Required Documents

  1. Either a Stationary Site Plan or Roving Route Map
    1. Stationary Site Plan
    2. Roving Route Map
  2. Certificate of Insurance 
    • Insurance must include $2,000,000 coverage with ‘City of Port Colborne’ listed as an Additional Insured.
  3. Letter of Consent
    • A dated and signed letter of consent from the property owner(s).
    • Ensure it includes the location in question, and name of the applicant. 
       

Operating in Public Parks

Hawkers and peddlers are not permitted to operate their business in any public park, except under special permit of the Corporation. For more information about obtaining such a permit, please email customerservice@portcolborne.ca